[438]All the book and print world have heard ofDaulby'sDescriptive Catalogue of the works of Rembrandt, &c. Liverpool, 1796, 8vo. The author's collection of Rembrandt's prints (according to a MS. note prefixed to my copy of it, which is uponlarge paperin 4to.—of whichonly fiftyimpressions were struck off) was sold at Liverpool, in 1799, in one lot; and purchased by Messrs. Colnaghi, Manson, and Vernon, for 610l.It was sold in 1800, in separate lots, for 650l., exclusively of every expense; after the purchasers had been offered 800l.for the same. Some of these prints came into the possession of the late Mr. Woodhouse (videp. 441, ante); and it is from the Catalogue ofhisCollection of prints that I present the reader with the followingRembrandtiana;beseeching him to take due heed to what Lysander has above alluded to byall the Varieties and the Burr!LotDaulby.£s.d.530.Abraham entertaining the three angels;veryfine,with the burr, on India paper.21801043.The Angel appearing to the Shepherds;very fine, presque unique.6001456.The flight into Egypt, in the style of Elsheimer;on India paper, the 1st impression, extremely rare.41602275.The Hundred Guilder Piece. This impression on India paper,with the burr, is acknowledged by the greatest connoisseurs in this kingdom to be the most brilliant extant.42002375.Ditto, restored plate, by Capt. Baillie,likewise on India paper, and very fine.21262577.The Good Samaritan;the 1st impression with the white tail, most beautifully finished, with a light point, and fine hand; very fine and rare.6602779.Our Lord before Pilate,second impression on India paper, fineandscarce.51562879.Same subject, third impression,with the mask, extremely rare: from the collection of the Burgomaster Six.4403084.The Descent from the Cross. This print is beautifully executed, the composition is grand, and the head full of character;1st and most brilliant impression.1515039117.The Rat-killer;a most beautiful impression.33042126.The Marriage of Jason and Creusa;a 1st impression, without the crown, on India paper, very brilliant.410045152.The Hog; a remarkably fine impression, from Houbraken's collection:scarce.114046154.The Shell. This piece is finely executed, and this impression,with the white ground, may be regarded as presque unique.910047178.Ledikant, or French Bed.This is the entire plate, and is a very great rarity.414656194.The Woman with the Arrow:very scarce.215061204.The Three Trees;as fine as possible.610063209.A Village near a high road, arched:1st impression on India paper, before the cross hatchings: scarce.414667213.A landscape of an irregular form;1st impression, with the burr, very scarce.50082232.Blement de Jonge;1st impression, the upper bar of the chair is left white, extremely rare.27083252.Ditto,second impression, veryscarce.17084252.Ditto, third impression,veryfine.210085253.Abraham France,with the curtain, on India paper.55086353.Ditto:with the chair.318087254.Ditto;with the figures on the paper which he holds in his wands. All these impressions are rare and fine.510088254.Old Haaring or Haring, the Burgo-master;beautiful impression on India paper, with the burr, extremely rare.77089255.Young Haaring, beautiful impression from Houbraken's collection;scarce.66090256.John Lutma;1st impression before the window, &c.extremely rare.410393257.John Aselyn;1st impression, with the easel, extremely rare.92097259.Wtenbogardus, the Dutch Minister; a most beautiful and brilliant impression, oval, on a square plate;proof, before the pillar, arch, verses, or any inscription: presque unique.919699261.The Gold Weigher;1st impression, withthe face blank,extremely rare.10100100261.Ditto;a most beautiful and brilliant impression; and esteemed thefinestextant. From the collection of Capt. Baillie.2100101262.The Little Coppenol, with the picture;the second and rarest impression, generally esteemed the 1st; from the Earl of Bute's collection.770102262.Ditto; without the picture, very fine.1130103263.The great Coppenol, remarkably fine.4146104265.The Advocate Tol;a superb impression, extremely rare with the copy.54120145265.The Burgo-master Six;a most extraordinary impression, the name and age of the Burgo-master are wanting, and the two middle figures in the date are reversed: a very great rarity.36150Perhaps the finest collection ofRembrandt's prints, in great Britain, is that in the possession of Lord Viscount Fitzwilliam, at Richmond; a nobleman of extremely retired habits, and equally distinguished for his taste, candour, and erudition. His Paintings and Books are of the very first class.
[438]All the book and print world have heard ofDaulby'sDescriptive Catalogue of the works of Rembrandt, &c. Liverpool, 1796, 8vo. The author's collection of Rembrandt's prints (according to a MS. note prefixed to my copy of it, which is uponlarge paperin 4to.—of whichonly fiftyimpressions were struck off) was sold at Liverpool, in 1799, in one lot; and purchased by Messrs. Colnaghi, Manson, and Vernon, for 610l.It was sold in 1800, in separate lots, for 650l., exclusively of every expense; after the purchasers had been offered 800l.for the same. Some of these prints came into the possession of the late Mr. Woodhouse (videp. 441, ante); and it is from the Catalogue ofhisCollection of prints that I present the reader with the following
Rembrandtiana;
beseeching him to take due heed to what Lysander has above alluded to byall the Varieties and the Burr!
Perhaps the finest collection ofRembrandt's prints, in great Britain, is that in the possession of Lord Viscount Fitzwilliam, at Richmond; a nobleman of extremely retired habits, and equally distinguished for his taste, candour, and erudition. His Paintings and Books are of the very first class.
Lysand.Do so; and attend the shops of Mr. Richardson, Mr. Woodburn, and Mr. Grave, and you maysoon have a chance of gratifying your appetite in these strange particulars. But beware of aHogarthrage!
Lis.Is that so formidable?
Lysand.The longest life were hardly able to make the collection of Hogarth's prints complete! The late Mr. Ireland has been the Linnæus to whom we are indebted for the most minute and amusing classification of the almost innumerable varieties of the impressions of Hogarth's plates.[439]
[439]The Marquis of Bute has, I believe, the most extraordinary and complete collection ofHogarth's Printsthat is known. Of theElection Dinnerthere are six or seven varieties; gloves, and no gloves; hats, from one to the usual number; lemon, and no lemon; punch bowl, and no punch bowl. But of thesevaryingprints, the most curious is the one known by the name ofEvening: with a little boy and girl, crying, in the back-ground. At first, Hogarth didnotpaintthe girl, and struck off very few impressions of the plate in this state of the picture. A friend observing to him that the boy was crying with no apparent cause of provocation, Hogarth put in the little girl tantalizing him. But—happy he! who has the print of the 'Evening'withoutthe little girl: fifteen golden guineas (rare things now to meet with!) ought not to induce him to part with it. Of the copper-plate portraits by Hogarth, the original of 'Sarah Malcolm, executed1732,' is among the very rarest; a copy of this selling for 7l.17s.6d.at Barnard's sale. The reader has only to procure that most interesting of all illustrative works,Hogarth Illustrated by John Ireland, 1793, (2d edit.) 3 vols., 8vo.; and, for a comparatively trifling sum, he may be initiated into all the mysteries of Hogarthianvirtû. The late Right Hon. W. Wyndham's collection of Hogarth's prints, bequeathed to him by Mr. George Steevens, wasbought infor little more than 300 guineas.
[439]The Marquis of Bute has, I believe, the most extraordinary and complete collection ofHogarth's Printsthat is known. Of theElection Dinnerthere are six or seven varieties; gloves, and no gloves; hats, from one to the usual number; lemon, and no lemon; punch bowl, and no punch bowl. But of thesevaryingprints, the most curious is the one known by the name ofEvening: with a little boy and girl, crying, in the back-ground. At first, Hogarth didnotpaintthe girl, and struck off very few impressions of the plate in this state of the picture. A friend observing to him that the boy was crying with no apparent cause of provocation, Hogarth put in the little girl tantalizing him. But—happy he! who has the print of the 'Evening'withoutthe little girl: fifteen golden guineas (rare things now to meet with!) ought not to induce him to part with it. Of the copper-plate portraits by Hogarth, the original of 'Sarah Malcolm, executed1732,' is among the very rarest; a copy of this selling for 7l.17s.6d.at Barnard's sale. The reader has only to procure that most interesting of all illustrative works,Hogarth Illustrated by John Ireland, 1793, (2d edit.) 3 vols., 8vo.; and, for a comparatively trifling sum, he may be initiated into all the mysteries of Hogarthianvirtû. The late Right Hon. W. Wyndham's collection of Hogarth's prints, bequeathed to him by Mr. George Steevens, wasbought infor little more than 300 guineas.
Lis.I will stick to Rembrandt and leave Hogarth at rest. But surely, this rage forPortrait Collectingcannot be of long duration. It seems too preposterous for men of sober sense and matured judgment to yield to.
Lysand.So thinkyou—who are no Collector! But had you accompanied me to Mr. Christie's on Friday[440]last, you would have had convincing evidence to the contrary. A little folio volume, filled with one hundred and fifty-two prints, produced—
[440]If the reader casts his eye uponpages 505-6he will find that the ardour of print and portrait collecting has not abated since the time of Sir W. Musgrave. As a corroboration of the truth of Lysander's remark, I subjoin a specimen (being only four articles) of the present rage for 'curious and rare' productions of theburin—as the aforesaid Grangerite (p. 507) terms it.NO.£s.d.54.The Right Honourable and truly generous Henry Veere, Earl of Oxford, Viscount Bulbeck, &c. Lord High Chamberlain of England. J. Payne sculp. With a large hat and feather, small, in a border with many figures. Will. Passo, sculp. Tho. Jenner exc. On distinct plates.The most brilliant impression of a print of the greatest rarity.309063.Generall (Edward) Cecyll son to the Right Honourable the Earle of Exeter, &c. In an oval; in armour. Simmon Passæs, sculp. Anno 1618. Sould in Pope's Head Alley, also by John Sudbury and George Humble.Most brilliant impression of a print of the greatest rarity.342690.The true Portraicture of Richard Whitington, thrise Lord Mayor of London, a vertuous and godly man, full of good workes (and those famous) &c. R. Elstracke sculp. Are to be sold by Compton Holland over against the Exchange:First impression with the hand on a skull. Extra fine and rare.10100152.Mull'd Sack; a fantastic and humourous Chimney-Sweeper, so called: with cap, feather, and lace band: cloak tuck'd up; coat ragged; scarf on his arm; left leg in a fashionable boot, with a spur; on his right foot a shoe with a rose; sword by his side, and a holly bush and pole on his shoulder; in his left hand, another pole with a horn on it; a pipe, out of which issues smoke, is in his right hand; at the bottom are eight verses (as given in Granger, vol. ii., p. 61). Are to be sold by Compton Holland over against the Exchange, with further manuscript account by a provost of Eton.Considered Unique[but not so].42106
[440]If the reader casts his eye uponpages 505-6he will find that the ardour of print and portrait collecting has not abated since the time of Sir W. Musgrave. As a corroboration of the truth of Lysander's remark, I subjoin a specimen (being only four articles) of the present rage for 'curious and rare' productions of theburin—as the aforesaid Grangerite (p. 507) terms it.
Lis.Perhaps, Three Hundred Guineas?
Lysand.Just double the sum, I believe.
Lis.O rareJames Granger—thy immortality is secured! But we forget our symptoms of the Bibliomania.
Belin.As I am the examiner, I here demand of you, Sir, what may be the meaning of thefourth symptomof the bibliomaniacal disease, which you callUnique Copies?
Lysand.A passion for a book of which only one copy was printed, or which has any peculiarity about it[441]by either, or both, of the foregoing methods ofillustration—or which is remarkable for its size, beauty, and condition—or has any embellishment, rare, precious and invaluable—which the researches of the most sedulous bibliomaniac, for three and thirty long years, would not be able to produce—is indicative of a rage forunique copies; and is unquestionably a strong prevailing symptom of the Bibliomania. Let me therefore urge every sober and cautious collector not to be fascinated by the terms "Curious and rare;" which 'in slim italics' (to copy Dr. Ferriar's happy expression[442]) are studiously introduced into Booksellers' catalogues to lead the unwary astray. Such a Collector may fancy himself proof against the temptation; and will, in consequence, callonly to look atthis unique book, or set of books; but—led away by the passion which inflamedBerryerandCaillard[443]—when he views the moroccobinding, silk water-tabby lining, blazing gilt edges; when he turns over the white and unspotted leaves; gazes on the amplitude of margin; on a rare and lovely print introduced; and is charmed with the soft and coaxing manner in which, by the skill of Herring, Mackinlay, Rodwell, Lewis, or Faulkener, "leaf succeeds to leaf"—he can no longer bear up against the temptation; and, confessing himself vanquished, purchases, and retreats—exclaiming with Virgil's shepherd——
Ut vidi, ut perii—ut me malus abstulit error!
[441]Let us again quote a stanza from the 'Aspirant:'FOURTH MAXIM.Who inallcopies finds delight—The wrong not scenting from the right—And, with a choiceless appetite,Just comes tofeed, ... like Soph, or Templar,Out on his iron stomach!—weHave rarities we merelysee,Nor taste our Phœnix though it be ...Serv'd up in the "Unique Exemplar,"Bibliosophia, p. v.One of the most curious proofs of the seductive popularity of unique copies may be drawn from the following excerpt from a catalogue of a Library sold at Utrecht in 1776; which was furnished me by Mr. H. Ellis from a copy of the catalogue in the possession of Mr. Cayley of the Augmentation Office.NO.6870. Les Avantures de Telemaque, 8o. Rotterd.av. fig. en cart.'Cet exemplaire est toutbarbouillé. Mais il estde la main de la jeune Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de Saxe-Weimar, qui y a appris le François en1701!!!'I will mention a unique copy of a somewhat different cast of character. Of the magnificent and matchless edition of Shakspeare, printed by Mr. Bulmer and published by Mr. Nicols, between the years 1790 and 1805, there were one hundred copies, of the first six plays only, struck off upon imperial folio, orColombier paper; in which the large engravings, published at the Shakspeare Gallery (now the British Institution) might be incorporated and bound up. The late George Steevens undertook the revision of the text, intending to complete the entire plays in a similar form; but the trouble and expense attending this part of the undertaking were so great that the further prosecution of it was abandoned. Mr. Bulmer preserved the whole of the proof-sheets of this partial Colombier impression; and to form a 'uniqueedition' (these are his own words) he bound them up in the exact order in which the plays were printed. On the margins of many of the sheets, besides the various corrections, emendations, and notes to the printer, by Mr. Steevens, there are some original sonnets, a scene for a burlesque tragedy, and other happy effusions from the pen of the same elegant and learned editor. Need I ask the reader, whether he would have thebarbouillé(unique) copy of Telemaque of the young Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de Saxe-Weimar (like the Vicar of Wakefield, I like to give the full name) or Mr. Bulmer's similar copy of Shakspeare? The difference would soon be found in King Street or the Strand! I must mention one more example—of a nature different from both the preceding—of what Lysander has above, elaborately, and perhaps, a little confusedly, described as unique copies. It is Colonel Stanley's copy ofDe Bry(see a superb one before noticed) which is bound in seven folio volumes, in blue morocco, by Padaloup, and is considered superior to every known copy. It contains all the maps and prints, with their variations, according to theBibliographie Instructive, no. 4230,Cat. de Paris de Meyzieu, 1790; no. 486,Cat. de Santander, no. 3690; andCamus sur les Collections des Grands et Petits Voyages, 1802, 4to.: with both editions of the first nine parts of the West Indies, and duplicates of parts x. and xi. It has also a considerable number of duplicate plates, where a superior impression could be procured at any expense. The owner of this unique copy, of a work unrivalled for its utility and elegance, is distinguished for a noble collection, bound by our choicest binders, in whatever is splendid and precious in the Belles Lettres, Voyages, and Travels. Take two more illustrations, kind-hearted reader!——Goldsmith's Deserted Village, 1802. Mr. Bulmer printed a single copy of this beautiful poem, in quarto,upon satin—picked and prepared in a very curious manner. It was purchased by a foreigner. His impressionsupon vellumare noticed,post.——Falconer's Shipwreck, 1804, 8vo. Mr. Miller causedtwocopies only (isisalmostunique!) of this beautiful edition, printed by Bensley, to be struck offupon satin, in imperial 8vo. One of these copies now remains with him for sale.[442]The passage, above alluded to, is as follows:At ev'ry auction, bent on fresh supplies,He cons his catalogue with anxious eyes:Where'er the slim Italics mark the page,Curious and rarehis ardent mind engage.The Bibliomania; v. 54.[443]A slight mention of Mons. Berryer, the father-in-law of Lamoignon, is made atp. 84, ante. The reader is here presented with a more finished portrait of this extraordinary bibliomaniac: a portrait, which will excite his unbounded admiration, if not envy!—for such a careful and voluptuous collector, in regard tobinding, was, I believe, never before known; nor has he been since eclipsed. 'M. Berryer, successivement Secrétaire d'Etat au Département de la Marìne, Ministre, puis Garde des Sceaux de France, s'étoit occupé pendant près de quarante années à se former un cabinet des plus beaux livres grecs et latins, anciennes éditions, soit de France, soit des pays étrangers, &c. Par un soin et une patience infatigables, à l'aide de plusieurs coopérateurs éclairés, savans même en Bibliographie, qui connoissoient ses études, délassement de ses places, il avoit recueilli les plus belles éditions; de telle sorte qu'il a toujours su se procurer un exemplaire parfait de chaque édition par un moyen simple quoique dispendieux. Si les Catalogues des ventes publiques lui apprenoient qu'il existoit un exemplaireplus beau, plus grand de marge, mieux conservé, de tout auteur, &c., que celui qu'il possédoit, il le fasoit acquérir sans s'embarrasser du prix, et il se défaisoit à perte de l'exemplaire moins beau. La majeure partie des auteurs anciens et modernes de son cabinet a été changée huit ou dix fois de cette manière. Il nes'arrêtoitqu'après s'être assuré qu'il avoitle plus bel exemplaire connu, soit pour la marge, soit pour la force du papier, soit pour la magnificence de la conservation etde la relieure.' 'A l'égard des ouvrages d'editions modernes, même celles faites en pays étranger, M. Berryer vouloit les avoir en feuilles: il en faisoit choisir, dans plusieurs exemplaires, un parfait, et il le faisoit relieren maroquin de choix; le Ministere de la Marìne qu'il avoit rempli, lui ayant donné toutes les facilités d'en être abondamment et fidèlement pourvu dans toutes les Echelles du Levant. On collationnoit ensuite pour vérifier s' il n'y avoit ni transposition, ni omission de feuilles ou de pages?!!'Cat. M. Lamoignon, 1791. pref. p. ij. iij. Berryer was slightly copied by Caillard (of whom seep. 76, ante) in the luxury ofbook-binding. 'M. Caillard avoit le soinde faire satinerpresque tous livres qu'il faisoit relier, et principalement les grands ouvrages; qu'il est difficile d'avoir parfaitement reliés sans ce precedé.'Cat. de Caillard; p. x. (avertisement.) But I know not whether Caillard did not catch the phrensy from the elder Mirabeau. In the catalogue of his books, p.ii., we are thus told of him:—'l'acquisition d'unbeau livrelui causoit des transports de joie inexprimables: il l'examinoit,l'admiriot: il vouloit que chacun partagêat avec lui le même enthousiasme.' His biographer properly adds: 'De quelle surprise n'auroit-on pas été, si l'on eût su que c'etoit la le même homme qui, du haut de la tribune, faisoit trembler les despotes et les factieux!' Ponder here, gentle reader, upon the effects of abeautifulbook! Let no one, however, imagine that wegrave Englishmenare averse or indifferent to 'le luxe de la relieure'!! No: at this present moment, we have the best bookbinders in Europe; nor do we want good authority for the encouragement of this fascinating department relating to the Bibliomania. Read here what Mr. Roscoe hath so eloquently written in commendation of it: 'A taste for the exterior decoration of books has lately arisen in this country, in the gratification of which no small share of ingenuity has been displayed; but if we are to judge of the present predilection for learning by the degree of expense thus incurred, we must consider it as greatly inferior to that of the Romans during the times of the first Emperors, or of the Italians at the 15th century. And yet it is, perhaps, difficult to discover why afavourite bookshould not be as proper an object of elegant ornament as the head of a cane, the hilt of a sword, or the latchet of a shoe.'Lorenzo de Medici; vol. ii., 79, 8vo. edition. Did Geyler allude to such bibliomaniacs in the following sentence? Sunt qui libros inaurant et serica tegimenta apponunt preciosa et superba. Grandis hæc fatuitas!Navicula, sive Speculum Fatuorum; (Navis Stultifera)sign. B. v. rev.
[441]Let us again quote a stanza from the 'Aspirant:'
FOURTH MAXIM.
One of the most curious proofs of the seductive popularity of unique copies may be drawn from the following excerpt from a catalogue of a Library sold at Utrecht in 1776; which was furnished me by Mr. H. Ellis from a copy of the catalogue in the possession of Mr. Cayley of the Augmentation Office.
NO.6870. Les Avantures de Telemaque, 8o. Rotterd.av. fig. en cart.'Cet exemplaire est toutbarbouillé. Mais il estde la main de la jeune Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de Saxe-Weimar, qui y a appris le François en1701!!!'
I will mention a unique copy of a somewhat different cast of character. Of the magnificent and matchless edition of Shakspeare, printed by Mr. Bulmer and published by Mr. Nicols, between the years 1790 and 1805, there were one hundred copies, of the first six plays only, struck off upon imperial folio, orColombier paper; in which the large engravings, published at the Shakspeare Gallery (now the British Institution) might be incorporated and bound up. The late George Steevens undertook the revision of the text, intending to complete the entire plays in a similar form; but the trouble and expense attending this part of the undertaking were so great that the further prosecution of it was abandoned. Mr. Bulmer preserved the whole of the proof-sheets of this partial Colombier impression; and to form a 'uniqueedition' (these are his own words) he bound them up in the exact order in which the plays were printed. On the margins of many of the sheets, besides the various corrections, emendations, and notes to the printer, by Mr. Steevens, there are some original sonnets, a scene for a burlesque tragedy, and other happy effusions from the pen of the same elegant and learned editor. Need I ask the reader, whether he would have thebarbouillé(unique) copy of Telemaque of the young Princesse Wilhelmine Auguste de Saxe-Weimar (like the Vicar of Wakefield, I like to give the full name) or Mr. Bulmer's similar copy of Shakspeare? The difference would soon be found in King Street or the Strand! I must mention one more example—of a nature different from both the preceding—of what Lysander has above, elaborately, and perhaps, a little confusedly, described as unique copies. It is Colonel Stanley's copy ofDe Bry(see a superb one before noticed) which is bound in seven folio volumes, in blue morocco, by Padaloup, and is considered superior to every known copy. It contains all the maps and prints, with their variations, according to theBibliographie Instructive, no. 4230,Cat. de Paris de Meyzieu, 1790; no. 486,Cat. de Santander, no. 3690; andCamus sur les Collections des Grands et Petits Voyages, 1802, 4to.: with both editions of the first nine parts of the West Indies, and duplicates of parts x. and xi. It has also a considerable number of duplicate plates, where a superior impression could be procured at any expense. The owner of this unique copy, of a work unrivalled for its utility and elegance, is distinguished for a noble collection, bound by our choicest binders, in whatever is splendid and precious in the Belles Lettres, Voyages, and Travels. Take two more illustrations, kind-hearted reader!——Goldsmith's Deserted Village, 1802. Mr. Bulmer printed a single copy of this beautiful poem, in quarto,upon satin—picked and prepared in a very curious manner. It was purchased by a foreigner. His impressionsupon vellumare noticed,post.——Falconer's Shipwreck, 1804, 8vo. Mr. Miller causedtwocopies only (isisalmostunique!) of this beautiful edition, printed by Bensley, to be struck offupon satin, in imperial 8vo. One of these copies now remains with him for sale.
[442]The passage, above alluded to, is as follows:
[443]A slight mention of Mons. Berryer, the father-in-law of Lamoignon, is made atp. 84, ante. The reader is here presented with a more finished portrait of this extraordinary bibliomaniac: a portrait, which will excite his unbounded admiration, if not envy!—for such a careful and voluptuous collector, in regard tobinding, was, I believe, never before known; nor has he been since eclipsed. 'M. Berryer, successivement Secrétaire d'Etat au Département de la Marìne, Ministre, puis Garde des Sceaux de France, s'étoit occupé pendant près de quarante années à se former un cabinet des plus beaux livres grecs et latins, anciennes éditions, soit de France, soit des pays étrangers, &c. Par un soin et une patience infatigables, à l'aide de plusieurs coopérateurs éclairés, savans même en Bibliographie, qui connoissoient ses études, délassement de ses places, il avoit recueilli les plus belles éditions; de telle sorte qu'il a toujours su se procurer un exemplaire parfait de chaque édition par un moyen simple quoique dispendieux. Si les Catalogues des ventes publiques lui apprenoient qu'il existoit un exemplaireplus beau, plus grand de marge, mieux conservé, de tout auteur, &c., que celui qu'il possédoit, il le fasoit acquérir sans s'embarrasser du prix, et il se défaisoit à perte de l'exemplaire moins beau. La majeure partie des auteurs anciens et modernes de son cabinet a été changée huit ou dix fois de cette manière. Il nes'arrêtoitqu'après s'être assuré qu'il avoitle plus bel exemplaire connu, soit pour la marge, soit pour la force du papier, soit pour la magnificence de la conservation etde la relieure.' 'A l'égard des ouvrages d'editions modernes, même celles faites en pays étranger, M. Berryer vouloit les avoir en feuilles: il en faisoit choisir, dans plusieurs exemplaires, un parfait, et il le faisoit relieren maroquin de choix; le Ministere de la Marìne qu'il avoit rempli, lui ayant donné toutes les facilités d'en être abondamment et fidèlement pourvu dans toutes les Echelles du Levant. On collationnoit ensuite pour vérifier s' il n'y avoit ni transposition, ni omission de feuilles ou de pages?!!'Cat. M. Lamoignon, 1791. pref. p. ij. iij. Berryer was slightly copied by Caillard (of whom seep. 76, ante) in the luxury ofbook-binding. 'M. Caillard avoit le soinde faire satinerpresque tous livres qu'il faisoit relier, et principalement les grands ouvrages; qu'il est difficile d'avoir parfaitement reliés sans ce precedé.'Cat. de Caillard; p. x. (avertisement.) But I know not whether Caillard did not catch the phrensy from the elder Mirabeau. In the catalogue of his books, p.ii., we are thus told of him:—'l'acquisition d'unbeau livrelui causoit des transports de joie inexprimables: il l'examinoit,l'admiriot: il vouloit que chacun partagêat avec lui le même enthousiasme.' His biographer properly adds: 'De quelle surprise n'auroit-on pas été, si l'on eût su que c'etoit la le même homme qui, du haut de la tribune, faisoit trembler les despotes et les factieux!' Ponder here, gentle reader, upon the effects of abeautifulbook! Let no one, however, imagine that wegrave Englishmenare averse or indifferent to 'le luxe de la relieure'!! No: at this present moment, we have the best bookbinders in Europe; nor do we want good authority for the encouragement of this fascinating department relating to the Bibliomania. Read here what Mr. Roscoe hath so eloquently written in commendation of it: 'A taste for the exterior decoration of books has lately arisen in this country, in the gratification of which no small share of ingenuity has been displayed; but if we are to judge of the present predilection for learning by the degree of expense thus incurred, we must consider it as greatly inferior to that of the Romans during the times of the first Emperors, or of the Italians at the 15th century. And yet it is, perhaps, difficult to discover why afavourite bookshould not be as proper an object of elegant ornament as the head of a cane, the hilt of a sword, or the latchet of a shoe.'Lorenzo de Medici; vol. ii., 79, 8vo. edition. Did Geyler allude to such bibliomaniacs in the following sentence? Sunt qui libros inaurant et serica tegimenta apponunt preciosa et superba. Grandis hæc fatuitas!Navicula, sive Speculum Fatuorum; (Navis Stultifera)sign. B. v. rev.
Belin.For the benefit—not of the 'Country Gentlemen,' but—of the 'Country Ladies,' do pray translate these Latin words. We are always interested about the pastoral life.
Lis.It only means, Belinda, that this said shepherd was blockhead enough to keep gazing upon his beloved fair, although every glance shot him through the heart,and killed him a hundred times. Still he caressed the cause of his ruin. And so bibliomaniacs hug the very volumes of which they oftentimes know they cannot afford the purchase money! I have not forgotten your account of Dr. Dee:[444]but the ladies were then absent.
[444]Seep. 262, ante.
[444]Seep. 262, ante.
Belin. Well, let us now go on to the explanation of thefifth symptomof the Bibliomania; which you have called, Copiesprinted upon vellum!
Lysand. A desire for books printed in this manner[445]is an equally strong and general symptom of the Biblomania; but, as these works are rarely to be obtained of modern date, the collector is obliged to have recourseto specimens executed, three centuries ago, in the printing offices of Aldus, Verard, or the Giunti. Although theBibliotheque Imperiale, at Paris, and thelibrary of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse, are said to contain the greatest number of books, printed upon vellum, yet, those who have been fortunate enough tosee copies of this kind in the libraries of his Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Mr. Johnes, and the late Mr. Cracherode (which latter is now in the British Museum) need not travel on the Continent for the sake of being convinced of their exquisite beauty and splendour. Anuniquecopy of the first Livy, upon vellum, (of which the owner has excited the envy of foreigners) is a library of itself!—and the existence of vellum copies of Wynkyn De Worde's reprint ofJuliana Barnes's Book of Hawking, &c., complete in every respect, (to say nothing of his Majesty's similar copy of Caxton'sDoctrinal of Sapience, in the finest preservation)are sufficient demonstrations of the prevalance of this symptoms of the Bibliomania in the times of our forefathers; so that it cannot be said, as some have asserted, to have appeared entirely within the last half century.
[445]William Horman, who was head master of Eton school at the opening of the sixteenth century, was, I apprehend, the earliest writer in this country who propagated those symptoms of the Bibliomania indicative of a passion forlarge paperandvellumcopies; for thus writes the said Horman, in hisVulgaria, printed by Pynson, in folio, 1519: a book, curious and interesting upon every account. 'The greatest and highest of price, ispaper imperial. (Herbert, vol i., p. 265.)Parchment leavesbe wont to be ruled, that there may be acomely margent: also, strait lines of equal distance be draw[en] within, that the writing may shew fair,'fol.82. From these two sentences (without quoting Horman's praise of the presses of Froben and Aldus; fol. 87) I think it may be fairly inferred that a love oflarge paperandvellumcopies was beginning to display itself in the period just mentioned. That this love or passion is now eagerly and generally evinced, I shall proceed to give abundant proof; but first let me not forget our bibliomaniacal satirist:FIFTH MAXIM.Who blindly take the book display'dBy pettifoggers in the trade.Nor ask of what the leaf was made,Thatseems like paper—I can tell 'em,That though 'tis possible to squintThrough any page with letters in't,No copy, though an angel print,Reads elegantly—but "onvellum."Bibliosophia, p.vi.I proceed to give evidence of the present passion which prevails, respecting books of the description of which we are now speaking, by extracting a few articles from the library of which such honourable mention was made atp. 448-9, ante. They are allWorks printed upon Vellum.NO.£s.d.241.Epistolæ Beati Jeronimi. Impressio Moguntinæ facta per Virum famatum in hæc arte Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym, 2 vols., 1470.A fine specimen of a grand book, superbly bound in blue turkey.Folio.2870242.Sexti Decretalium Opus præclarum Bonifaciivii., Pont. Max. In Nobili Urbe Moguncia non Atramento è plumali ereâque Pennâ Cannâve per Petrum Schoiffer de Gernsheym consummatum. A.D. 1476.A most beautiful work, superbly bound in blue turkey.19190253.Constitutiones Clementis Papæ Quinti, unà cum apparatu Domini Joannis Andreæ. Venetiis impress. Ere atque Industriâ Nicolai Jenson Gallici, 1476.A most beautiful specimen of clean vellum, with a fine illumination, bound in purple velvet.Folio.21100244.Leonora, from the German of Burgher, by Mr. Spencer, with the designs of Lady Diana Beauclerc, 1796. Folio.2540A beautiful unique copy, with the plates worked on satin, superbly bound in blue turkey.245.Dryden's Fables, with engravings from the pencil of Lady Beauclerc.A beautiful unique copy, splendidly bound in morocco, with the plates worked on satin.34130246.Missale Monasticum secundum Ritum et consuetudinem Ordinis Gallæ Umbrosæ. Venetiis, per Ant. de Giunta Florentinum, 1503.A most beautiful copy of a very rare book, with plates and illuminations, bound in morocco.Folio.1336247.Postilla super Libros N. Testamenti Fratris Nicolai de Lyra. Venet. per Joan. de Colonia et Nic. Jenson, 1481.A fine specimen of beautiful vellum, with illuminations, bound in blue turkey.Folio.17170248.The German Bible, by Martin Luther, 2 vols. Augspurg, 1535, folio.A most fair, and beautiful copy, with coloured plates, in the finest preservation, and bound in crimson velvet, with two cases.—'The copies on vellum of this fine edition were printed at the charges of John Frederick, Elector of Saxony, (vide Panzer).' Folio.52100249.Le Livre de Jehan Bocasse de la Louenge et Vertu des nobles et Cleres Dames. Paris,par Ant. Verard, 1493.A beautiful work, with curious illuminations, finely bound in blue turkey.Folio.14140250.Virgilii Opera curâ Brunck. Argentorati, 1789.An unique copy, bound in morocco, with a case.Quarto.33120251.Somervile's Chace, a Poem, with fine plates on wood, by Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1796. Quarto.A beautiful unique copy, splendidly bound in green, morocco.1546252.Poems by Goldsmith and Parnell, with fine plates on wood by Bewick. Printed by Bulmer, 1795.A beautiful unique copy, superbly bound in green morocco.15150253.The Gardens, a poem, by the Abbe de Lisle, with fine plates by Bartolozzi, coloured. Printed by Bensley, 1798.A fine book, and bound in green morocco.Quarto.1436254.The Castle of Otranto, by the Earl of Oxford. Printed at Parma, 1791.A fine copy elegantly bound in blue morocco.Quarto.1326255.Coustumes du Pais de Normandie. Rouen, 1588.A beautiful unique copy, on fine white vellum, the presentation copy to the Duke de Joyeuse; in old morocco.1436256.P. Virgilii Maronis Codex antiquissimus in Bibliotheca Mediceo-Laurentiana. Florent. 1741.A curious facsimile of the old MS. bound in yellow morocco, 4to.17170257.Junius's Letters, 4 vols., 8vo. Printed by Bensley, 1796.A beautiful unique copy, with the plates also worked on vellum, bound in morocco.2540258.Il Castello di Otranto, storia Gotica, Lond. 1795.Beautifully printed, with fine cuts, illuminated, bound in morocco.4160259.Milton's Paradise Regained, Poems, and Sonnets, and Latin Poems, with notes, 3 vols. Printed by Bensley, 1796, 8vo.A unique and beautiful copy, bound in blue turkey.1766260.La Guirlande de Julie offerte a Mademoiselle de Rambouillet, par le Marq. de Montausier. Paris de l'Imprim. de Monsieur, 1784, 8vo. 'This matchless book is embellished with exquisite miniatures, paintings of flowers, and wreaths of flowers, to illustrate the work, and is one of the most exquisite performances ever produced;'superbly bound in green morocco.[30 guineas were bidden; but the book was passed on and not sold.]261.La Vedova, Commedia facetissima di Nic. Buonaparte Cittadino Florentino. Paris, 1803, 8vo. A curious work by an ancestor of the First Consul;a beautiful unique copy, superbly bound in red morocco.440262.The Old English Baron, a Gothic story, by Clara Reeve, 1794, 8vo.Richly bound in blue turkey.220263.The Œconomy of Human Life, with fine plates, 1795.A beautiful unique copy, with the plates finely tinted in colours and superbly bound in morocco, 8vo.15150264.Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Works. Paris, 1795, 8vo.A beautiful unique copy, and bound in crimson velvet.500265.The Dance of Death. Painted by Holbein, and engraved by Hollar,a beautiful unique copy, with the plates exquisitely painted, and very richly bound in red morocco.17170266.La Gerusalemme liberata di Torquato Tasso, 4 vols. Parigi Presso Molini, 1783, 8vo.A beautiful copy, bound in green morocco.9196267.Catullus, Tibullus, et Propertius, 3 vols. Par. ap. Coustelier, 1743, 8vo.A singularly beautiful copy, and bound in old blue turkey.14140268.Opere Toscane di Luigi Alamanni. Leoni. ap. Gryphia, 1552.A most beautiful copy, presented to King Francis I. of France: old morocco.660269.A New Testament in German. Augsburg, 1535, 12mo. A fine copy, with illuminations, of a very rare edition.270Lysander has above noticed the collection of Count M'Carthy of Toulouse. By the kindness of Mr. Roche, banker, at Cork, I learn that this collection 'is a truly splendid one.' The possessor's talents are not confined to the partial walk of bibliography: in his younger years, he was considered one of the first gentlemen-violin players in Europe. He quitted Ireland forty years ago, and now resides at Toulouse, in his 70th year, surrounded by a numerous and respectable family. His leading passion, in book-collecting, (like his countryman's, poor Mr. Quin—who gave 170 guineas for the Spira Virgil of 1470,in membranis!) is marked by a fondness for worksprinted upon vellum. From Mr. Roche, Mr. Edwards, and other quarters, I am enabled to present the reader with a list of afewofCount M'Carthy's Books upon Vellum.Psalmorum Codex;Mogunt.Fust and Schoiffer.Folio, 1457.—— ——;ibid.apud eosdem.Folio, 1459.Durandi Rationale;ibid.apud eosdem.Folio, 1459.Clementis Papæ V. Constitutiones;ibid.apud eosdem.Folio, 1460.—— —— —— ——;ibid.apud eosdem.Folio, 1467.Catholicon;ibid.apud eosdem.Folio, 1460.Biblia Sacra Latina;ibid.apud eosdem.Folio, 1462.[His Majesty and Earl Spencer possess similar copies of these works.]Franciscus de Retras Comment. Vitiorum;Nuremb.Folio, 1470.Hieronimi Epistolæ;Mogunt.Fust and Schoiffer.Folio, 1470.(Another copy: very large thick paper.)Priscianus de Art. Grammat.Venet.Vin. Spira.Folio, 1470.(Seep. 407, ante.)Liber Sextus Decretalium Bonif. Papæ VIII.Mogunt.Folio, 1470.Guarini Regulæ;Quarto, 1470.Quintiliani Institutiones;Jenson,Folio, 1471.Baptista de Alberti de Amore;Quarto, 1471.—— —— —— de Amoris Remedio:Quarto, 1471.Biblia in Ling. Volg.Folio, 1471, 2 vols.Historia Natur. de Plinio tradotto da Landino;Jenson,Venet.1476.(A similar copy is in Mr. Coke's library at Holkam; illuminated, and in magnificent condition.)Biblia Sacra Polyglotta; Ximenis;Complut.Folio, 1516, &c., 6 vols.(Seepage 407, ante; for a brief account of this extraordinary copy.)Plutarchi Vitæ (Lat.);Venet.N. Jenson.Folio, 1478. vol. 1.Aristotelis Opera Varia (Lat.);Venet.Folio, 1483. 3 vols.(This was the Pinelli copy, and was purchased for 73l.10s.)Statii Achilles;Brixiæ.Folio, 1485.Chroniques de France, dictes de St. Denys;Paris.Folio, 1493. vol. 2 & 3.Anthologia Græca;Florent.Quarto, 1494.Lancelot du Lac;Paris.Verard,Folio, 1494. vol. 2.Boccace des nobles Malheureux;ibid.Folio, 1494.Appollonius Rhodius;Florent.Quarto, 1496.Destruction de Troy le Grant;Paris.Folio, 1498.Poliphili Hyperonotomachia;Venet.Folio, 1499.Mer des Histores;Paris.Folio, (no date) 2 vols.Monstrelet Chronique de;Paris.Folio, (no date) 3 vols.Roman de la Rose;Paris.Verard.Folio, (no date)—— de Tristan;ibid.id.(no date)—— d' Ogier le Danois;ibid.id.(no date)—— de Melis et Lenin;ibid.id.(no date)I have heard that Count M'Carthy's books do not exceed 4000 in number; and of these, perhaps, no private collector in Europe has an equal number printed upon vellum. In our own country, however, the finestvellum libraryin the world might be composed from the collections of His Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., Mr. Johnes, Mr. Coke, and the Quin collection. Yet let us not forget the finestvellum copyin the world of the first edition ofAristotle's works(wanting one volume) which may be seen in the library of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Of Mr. Edward'ssimilarcopyof the first Livy, Lysander and myself (videPartiii.) have spoken like honest bibliomaniacs. Earl Spencer possesses the rival volume, printed by the same printers, (Sweynheym and Pannartz) and upon the same material, in his Pliny Senior of 1470—But let all quiet bibliomaniacs wait with patience till the work of Mons. Praet upon this subject, alluded to atp. 68, ante, shall have made its appearance! and then—let us see whether we can prevail upon some Gnome to transport to us, through the 'thin air,' Pynson's 'Ship of Fools'upon vellum!!
[445]William Horman, who was head master of Eton school at the opening of the sixteenth century, was, I apprehend, the earliest writer in this country who propagated those symptoms of the Bibliomania indicative of a passion forlarge paperandvellumcopies; for thus writes the said Horman, in hisVulgaria, printed by Pynson, in folio, 1519: a book, curious and interesting upon every account. 'The greatest and highest of price, ispaper imperial. (Herbert, vol i., p. 265.)Parchment leavesbe wont to be ruled, that there may be acomely margent: also, strait lines of equal distance be draw[en] within, that the writing may shew fair,'fol.82. From these two sentences (without quoting Horman's praise of the presses of Froben and Aldus; fol. 87) I think it may be fairly inferred that a love oflarge paperandvellumcopies was beginning to display itself in the period just mentioned. That this love or passion is now eagerly and generally evinced, I shall proceed to give abundant proof; but first let me not forget our bibliomaniacal satirist:
FIFTH MAXIM.
I proceed to give evidence of the present passion which prevails, respecting books of the description of which we are now speaking, by extracting a few articles from the library of which such honourable mention was made atp. 448-9, ante. They are all
Works printed upon Vellum.
Lysander has above noticed the collection of Count M'Carthy of Toulouse. By the kindness of Mr. Roche, banker, at Cork, I learn that this collection 'is a truly splendid one.' The possessor's talents are not confined to the partial walk of bibliography: in his younger years, he was considered one of the first gentlemen-violin players in Europe. He quitted Ireland forty years ago, and now resides at Toulouse, in his 70th year, surrounded by a numerous and respectable family. His leading passion, in book-collecting, (like his countryman's, poor Mr. Quin—who gave 170 guineas for the Spira Virgil of 1470,in membranis!) is marked by a fondness for worksprinted upon vellum. From Mr. Roche, Mr. Edwards, and other quarters, I am enabled to present the reader with a list of afewof
Count M'Carthy's Books upon Vellum.
I have heard that Count M'Carthy's books do not exceed 4000 in number; and of these, perhaps, no private collector in Europe has an equal number printed upon vellum. In our own country, however, the finestvellum libraryin the world might be composed from the collections of His Majesty, the Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart., Mr. Johnes, Mr. Coke, and the Quin collection. Yet let us not forget the finestvellum copyin the world of the first edition ofAristotle's works(wanting one volume) which may be seen in the library of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Of Mr. Edward'ssimilarcopyof the first Livy, Lysander and myself (videPartiii.) have spoken like honest bibliomaniacs. Earl Spencer possesses the rival volume, printed by the same printers, (Sweynheym and Pannartz) and upon the same material, in his Pliny Senior of 1470—But let all quiet bibliomaniacs wait with patience till the work of Mons. Praet upon this subject, alluded to atp. 68, ante, shall have made its appearance! and then—let us see whether we can prevail upon some Gnome to transport to us, through the 'thin air,' Pynson's 'Ship of Fools'upon vellum!!
Lis.Are we as successful in printing upon vellum as were our forefathers?
Lysand.Certainly not; if we except some of the works from the press of Bodoni—which are oftentimes truly brilliant. But the fault, in general, is rather in the preparation of the vellum than in the execution of the press-work.
Loren.You have seen, Lisardo, my small volumes of 'Heures,' or 'Missals,' as they are called; some of them in MS. and others in print—and what can be more delicate than the texture of the vellum leaves, or more perfect than the execution of penmanship and printing?
Alman.I have often set whole hours, my dear brother, in contemplating with rapture the sparkling radiance of these little volumes; and wish in my heart I had a few favourite authors executed in a similar manner! I should like to employ Bodoni[446]for life.